If you're looking to get a job that offers a healthy work/life balance, Cyprus provides a range of opportunities for skilled workers, who also get to enjoy its relaxed Mediterranean culture and low cost of living
The country is located at the meeting point of Europe, Asia and Africa and is the perfect blend of these three cultures. It is divided into the Greek population in the south and the Turkish population in the north.
Those who visit, live and work here are rewarded with over 300 days of sunshine a year, as they enjoy its picturesque beaches, vibrant nightlife, and ancient sites of Greek, Byzantine, Crusader, and Islamic history.
While Greek and Turkish are Cyprus's official languages, English is widely spoken in the country, especially in business and tourism.
Cyprus offers a high quality of life due to its laid-back Mediterranean culture and low cost of living compared to the UK. There's also a thriving expat community in the country. However, to get around the island, you'll likely need a car, as the public transport system is limited to larger cities.
Jobs in Cyprus
Of its 1.5 million population, over 487,000 are part of the labour force in Cyprus (Statista 2024). The tourism industry accounts for the largest part of the country's GDP, and international workers can usually find opportunities in this sector. Other major industries include:
- food and beverage processing
- real estate
- service sector
- shipping
- textiles.
The country's exploitation of natural gas supplies, plus its interest in renewable energy and green technology, is predicted to lead to major foreign investment over the coming years.
However, finding work can be difficult for foreigners, as you'll compete against locals for jobs. Despite this, there are still a number of ways to boost your chances of employment.
For example, while the main business language is English, the majority of employers demand some knowledge of Greek and Turkish in northern areas. So speaking these languages can give you an entry route into roles in teaching, social work, and public services.
Those with degrees in the following subjects are also in high demand:
- electrical engineering
- finance
- IT
- medicine
- teaching.
You can find jobs in Cyprus at:
Popular graduate jobs
- Accountant
- Dentist
- Engineer
- Nurse and midwife
- Software developer.
How to get a job in Cyprus
You can apply for jobs before you arrive, but networking is the best way of getting a role. Making use of personal contacts and discovering vacancies through word-of-mouth is the easiest way for foreigners to find work. You can also make connections before you arrive using online networking platforms such as LinkedIn.
If you don't have many contacts upon arrival, your first port of call should be the Public Employment Service (PES), which is located in all major towns and cities. However, there are restrictions on who can use this service. It is mainly limited to those with Cypriot connections, although European Union (EU) citizens may also be eligible.
Some Cypriot companies accept CVs all year round, so they can recruit as and when, meaning that speculative applications also work well.
The application methods are similar to those in the UK, with organisations typically asking for a CV and cover letter or a completed application form. If successful, this will lead to the interview stage. Most jobs can be applied for online.
Summer jobs
Due to the country's large tourism sector, seasonal and casual jobs are relatively easy to find. Summer work can be found in hotels, bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Ayia Napa's famous nightlife attracts thousands of international workers every year, meaning many bar, club and PR jobs are available throughout the summer. You can expect to work four to five days a week during the low season, but six to seven days during the peak.
Casual opportunities also include fruit picking and kitchen work.
You can search online for seasonal jobs on:
Volunteering opportunities are available throughout the year in various regions of Cyprus, especially in popular destinations such as:
- Famagusta
- Larnaca
- Limassol
- Nicosia
- Paphos.
Work camps and youth exchange programmes also often involve volunteering.
Many opportunities are environmental or conservational, with animal sanctuaries and marine projects proving popular.
The latest volunteering opportunities are listed at:
Be sure to check safety advice before you travel. For the most up-to-date guidance, see GOV.UK- Cyprus foreign travel advice.
Teaching in Cyprus
Teaching English as a foreign language is possible in Cyprus, although competition for posts is fierce and the number of jobs is limited.
Jobs in private international schools are open to those with at least two years of teaching experience and offer competitive salaries. You will usually also require a Bachelors degree, plus a teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) qualification.
Working hours are typically 20 to 30 hours per week. Salaries and benefits depend on qualifications. Many private institutions offer benefits to teachers, such as shipping or moving allowances.
You can browse teaching opportunities in Cyprus at:
Internships
There is no national legislation on student placements in Cyprus. Instead, internships and work experience are organised by universities, professional bodies and other stakeholders.
Your options include the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cyprus. Through the UN's Action for Cooperation and Trust (UNDP-ACT) and Partnership for the Future (UNDP-PFF) programmes, students gain an understanding of UNDP's policies and priorities.
The programme is aimed at students in:
- conflict resolution
- economics
- environmental studies
- international relations
- public or business administration
- sociology.
The European University Cyprus offers internships for its undergraduate students, while the following global financial services organisations also run summer programmes in Cyprus:
Cypriot visas
If you're a UK national, you'll need a visa to work in Cyprus.
Contact the Cypriot embassy in your country of origin for more information on work visas for non-EU nationals. For UK job seekers, this would be the High Commission of Cyprus In The UK.
Other helpful resources include GOV.UK - Travel to Cyprus for work and the Migration Department.
EU citizens don't need a visa to enter or work in Cyprus, but those staying for more than three months must apply for a registration certificate.
To gain a certificate, you'll need to prove that you have secured employment and have the financial means to support yourself. You'll also need to apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) and a Social Insurance Number (SIN), issued by the Social Insurance Services. It is important to apply for these immediately upon arrival.
One-year, long-stay visas are usually suited to non-EU citizens seeking employment. They must be backed up by letters from your employer - or from an accountant or solicitor, if you are self-employed.
Language requirements
English is widely spoken throughout Cyprus, but many jobs require you to speak Greek, and some employers in the Northern areas may require Turkish fluency.
You could take a course in Greek while in your home country, or be prepared to learn once in Cyprus. Language lessons are provided by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth (MESY), universities and private language schools.
How to explain your UK qualifications to employers
Employers usually understand UK qualifications, as the Cypriot education system has many similarities, but you will need to clarify this before submitting your application. Degree classifications may vary.
Find out more at ENIC-NARIC or Your Europe - Regulated professions.
What it's like to work in Cyprus
The average wage in the country is quite low, but so is the cost of living. Living expenses are even lower away from tourist areas.
While there is no national minimum wage, the government has introduced a national minimum monthly salary. This works out as €1,000 (£867) per month for those with six months or more of continuous employment. For those who have been working for less than six months, this is €900 (£780) per month.
The working week runs from Monday to Friday, and hours generally amount to 40 per week.
Depending on where you work and your length of service, you're entitled to between 20 and 24 days paid holiday leave per year, based on a five or six-day work week. This applies to foreign and Cypriot workers.
The country also has 14 paid public holidays, including:
- Greek Independence Day (25 March)
- Cyprus National Day (1 April)
- Labour Day (1 May)
- Cypriot Independence Day (1 October)
- Greek National Day (28 October).
Find out more
- Discover what it's like to study in Cyprus.